Blue Whale Lifespan

The blue whale is one of the worlds most amazing marine animals and there are a number of characteristics that make them stand out when compared to other whale species.

Reaching lengths of between 70 – 90 ft on average the blue whale is the largest living animal in the world.

And with an estimated lifespan of 70 – 90 years they are also one of the oldest living marine mammals known to inhibit the sea.

In fact the oldest recorded blue whale was estimated to have a lifespan of 110 years!

When it comes to age and longevity there are a number of factors that can determine how long a blue whale is likely to live.

Some of these factors include being hunted by humans (and rare killer whale attacks), food supply shortages and the health of their food, climate changes, water and noise pollution, mental and physical health (sickness and injuries can significantly reduce the health and longevity of these majestic creatures) and a host of other age affecting factors.

As stated earlier the blue whale is also the largest living creature in the world with the biggest blue whales growing to incredible lengths that are in excess of 100 feet and weigh over 150 tons when fully matured.

Despite their massive size and relatively long lifespan these whales consume a relatively simple diet consisting primarily of krill, a small aquatic life form that measures 1 – 2 centimeters on average with a maximum size of around 6 inches.

In order to power their massive bodies these gigantic animals can consume as many as 8,000 pounds (4 tons) of krill or 40 million krill per day.

Even more surprising is the fact that during migration periods these whales go into a fasting state and can live for up to 4 months without consuming any (or very little) food while they make their long 3,000 mile migration trip from the Atlantic to warmer tropical environments by living off of the fat and blubber they’ve stored around their bodies.

As stated earlier the blue whale is a marine mammal and is part of the cetacean family, which also includes dolphins and porpoises.

Altogether there are around 90 different species of Cetacea recorded today.

Just like land mammals the cetacean species is warm-blooded, gives birth their babies (rather than producing eggs), produces milk to feed their young and breathes oxygen by rising above the surface of the water.

Depending on the species of whale the average gestation period (the period from conception to birth) may vary from 10 – 17 months.

For the blue whale the average gestation period is estimated to be around 10 – 12 months long.

Sexual maturity also various by species with some whales maturing around 6 – 9 years of age while other mature closer to 10 – 15 years of age.